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Cherokee Rose

The mistake

Raven's eyes slowly opened and took in her surroundings. She yawned and stretched loving the peaceful atmosphere happily realizing her head was no longer pounding like it had for the past 24 hours. Tiny whispers outside her door made her smile. It was obvious two munchkins were a little excited about meeting Sid. Tip toeing across the room, Raven ripped open her door roaring and laughed as they squealed and went tearing down the hallway. Coming back still giggling they began chatting Raven's ear off, pelting her left and right with questions about Sid.

"OK OK OK" she laughed Let me grab some breakfast and then you guys can help me feed him his breakfast. Have you eaten yet?"

The girls shook their head. "No, we were too excited"

Raven smiled at them but insisted they eat first.

"Listen those oat buckets are really heavy, you're going to need your strength so you have to eat"

Both girls looked at her with big eyes and nodded. "OK, let's see what we can rustle up to eat"

Raven rifled through the cupboards finding a few things here and there. Turning to the refrigerator amazed it worked and has food in it. How was it possible they had electricity and running water? Finding some eggs and what looked to be bacon, Raven was soon cooking a breakfast fit for two little queens. The girls ate noisily, remarking after every bite how good it tasted.

"I haven't had breakfast like this in a long time" said Molly

Raven looked at the girls wondering...."what do you mean? Doesn't your mom cook?"
Molly shook her head. "Not really. She does sometimes but she really doesn't know how. Mrs. Thompson from across the street brings a lot of meals over to our house." Raven nodded understanding.

"Well it’s a good thing I love to cook!".

Molly and Katie smiled enjoying everything about the morning. After checking on their mother Caroline, Raven did as she promised. Loading the girls with half buckets of oats, she grinned watching the carry them with all their might. They had been pretty intimidated with Sid at first, probably because of his size but thought the world of him right away. She lifted them one at a time so he could greet them and she laughed as they squealed when Sid checked them out, sniffing all over their head.

Daryl hung back behind the tree line watching Raven with the girls....so that's where she had ended up. Good choice by Rick. She'd be able to help look after the girls and would be close to Sid until the stable was finished. He had wandered over to make sure Sid was good and had probably hoped he'd find her there giving the big guy his breakfast. He watched as she chased the girls around, squealing and laughing and his mind drifted back to their kiss. He still didn't know what had come over him. It was just that when she smiled, he felt like a melted popsicle. Just like warm and gooey...it was weird and he wasn't comfortable with it at all. Finally he had thought since she was making him feel this way, might as well see what fuss was all about. Man did he find out. He could still taste her mouth and feel her silky hair slip through his fingers. Her skin had been so warm and soft and when she moaned....it about drove him out of his mind. With his jeans starting to get a little uncomfortable again, he knew he'd better start thinking of something else.

A low voice in Daryl's ear Whispered "what are you doing?"

Daryl jumped up smacking his head on a tree branch which sent him flying on his rear.

"Dammit Rick!" he yelled.

He sat glaring at his friend who was now doubled over with laughter.

"Not right you sneak up on a guy in this day and age. You're a real asshole, you know that?"
Rick finally being able to control himself responded "Sorry brother, but for what it's worth, I wasn't sneakin', you were just so engrossed in what you were watching you didn't hear me"
Daryl stared at the ground and thought....what is she doing to me? Rick continued.

"C'mon, the frame of the stable is ready to be hoisted, we need your help"

Daryl nodded and followed Rick back through the trees, taking one last look behind him.
Finally getting the girls down for a nap after all the excitement with the "horsey" Raven began rummaging through the kitchen looking at pots and pans, cookie sheets but almost squealed in delight herself when she came across her favorite cooking pot, an old pressure cooker.

"Don't tell me you know how to use that thing" said a soft frail voice from the doorway.
Raven smiled softly at Caroline "I do" she said, admiring the pot, feeling a warm flood of memories rush in remembering cooking for her father.

Caroline slid into a stool and seated herself at the island, still smiling at Raven.
"Well maybe you can teach me sometime, I'm about useless in this room"
Raven gave a small laugh "I'd be happy to, there's nothing to it really. It can be a little intimidating because it's noisy but really it's pretty easy to use. How you feeling by the way? Will you let me make you some tea? I found some great herbs today that might help you feel better"

"I'm all for that" smiled Caroline.

Raven put the kettle on and began crush the dried out lemongrass and chamomile she had found earlier in the day. Her mind drifted back to how she had visited Sid probably 10 times today. It got to the point that even he was getting annoyed with her, trying to take his afternoon snooze. She had hoping maybe Daryl would stop by to see him, but she hadn't seen or heard from him all day. Every time she walked over by the shed, her heart sank a little more when she didn't see him standing there. Finally giving up she had taken the girls for a stroll in the wooded area at the back of the lawn. She had been thrilled to find a number of herbs growing wild. Lemongrass, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, even wild blackberry leaves.... she had picked a bunch herbs and spices, filling up the girls baskets and then brought some back to dry out in the oven. Her dad had been a big believer in these herbs and their healing properties and even if they didn't make Caroline better, she knew they would at least give her some comfort.
The two women continued to talk while Raven steeped her tea then giving it to her. Caroline remarked how delicious it was which made Raven smile.

"Listen Caroline, I found this roast in the freezer, would you mind me thawing it out and cooking it tonight for dinner? I'd love to use this pressure cooker and I think it would be perfect in it"
"Sure" Caroline smiled "It's a venison roast, Daryl Dixon brought that to us a few weeks ago. We were so grateful but I didn't have a clue how to cook it"

With just the mere mention of his name Raven felt her heart flutter. She instantly became annoyed with herself, she really needed to get a grip. It was obvious he felt last night's kiss had been a huge mistake and was now avoiding her. That's just fine she thought. I don't need you either Daryl Dixon.

Raven was happily bustling around in the kitchen. She had found potatoes and carrots and put that in with the roast along with some rosemary and other spices. The aroma of the meal simmering away wafted through the house making everyone’s stomach grumble. It smelled delicious. Hearing a knock at the door and immediate squeals, even from the kitchen Raven knew Rick had stopped by again. Heading out to greet him to see if he and Michonne would like to have dinner with them, she was stunned to see Daryl standing there with two blonde monkeys hanging off him.

“Raven! This is our Uncle Daryl! He is so cool…he drives a motorcycle!”
Raven smiled at them softly and said “Yes, I think I’ve met Daryl before….”

It was all she could do not to stand there with her mouth hanging open. He looked…beautiful. Raven took all of him in, noticing he was obviously freshly showered with his hair hanging softly around his face. He had a freshly pressed denim shirt that made his brilliant blue eyes stand out even more than they usually did. With nice jeans and his ever present black leather vest, he was quite a sight. She was mortified. Here in her apron and her hair up in a messy bun on top of her head, she was a wreck.
“Mmmm, what smells so good?” he said walking past her into the kitchen.

She had to catch herself almost saying “you” after she caught his woodsy scented cologne. Now that was a scent that could drive her out of her mind.
“I’m making a roast with carrot and potatoes. Caroline said that you had brought them this venison and I thought it would probably be pretty great in the pressure cooker”
Daryl stared at her for a moment looking quite surprised adding “You can cook?”
Raven nodded. “My dad didn’t cook, so somebody had to learn how to. I didn’t mind, I actually like cooking.”
Daryl stared at her for another moment so she continued.
“I made enough for a small army, we would really like it if you stayed for dinner. I mean after all you’ve done for me and Sid, it’s the least I can do”

Daryl stared at her for another moment and nodded his head. Raven was glad he was staying but his stare was about to unnerve her. It was like he was looking right into her very soul.

Daryl sat at the dining table while the girls continued to climb on him. He would roar and they would run screaming only to come back and try again. Raven smiled at them, loving how he was with the little ones.

“Girls, do you think you could help me set the table?”
The girls preoccupied with their playmate didn’t even turn when she had talked to them.
“Hey…Thing One and Thing Two, go help your Aunt Raven set the table” grinned Daryl
Raven was shocked and touched by the term of endearment he had given her for the girls. Even in this little time she had known them, she did feel like an Aunt and loved hearing it.
“OK!” they agreed happily.

Raven ran up the stairs to her room to try and make herself look a little more presentable. If she would have known he was coming, she would have definitely tried to look a little better. After changing her top into a pretty green one Caroline had given her, she brushed her hair out and then quietly came down the stairs. She watched as she saw Caroline come in the room and Daryl give her a kiss on the cheek. Was it her imagination or did Caroline look much better than she did this afternoon?
“Ah Raven, our budding chef, this smells wonderful dear.” Caroline beamed.
Raven smiled at her, grateful for the compliment.
“And I don’t know what you put in that tea, but I haven’t slept that well in months! I feel like a new woman, in fact I’m even a little hungry” she grinned. Raven was thrilled.
They all sat around the table, eating her dinner and remarking after every other bite how good everything was. Daryl hadn’t said anything, but his plate was clean so she figured he probably liked it a little. Daryl started talking about the stable and how much they had gotten done today. Raven could just kick herself. Here she’s been moping around all day thinking he’s ignoring her and all the while he’s been working on her horse’s stable. How in the world did she get so needy? Grabbing the plates to take back in the kitchen. Caroline stopped her.

“Oh no you don’t, you cooked all day, the girls and I can clean up here. Go relax. Sit on the front porch and watch the sun set. It’s so beautiful from that porch.” Raven nodded and smiled suddenly feeling awkward and shy. Walking out onto the porch, Daryl followed. She watched him as he slowly walked down the steps turning to look up at her.
Shoving his hands in his pockets, cocking his head to the side he said quietly “Wanna go for a walk?”
Raven’s heart started hammering in her chest. To be alone with him again thrilled her like nothing else, but scared her just as much.
Walking down the stairs, Caroline poked her head out the door. “Thanks for stopping Daryl, girls want to know if you’ll be at the town social tomorrow night?”

Daryl smiled and said “Yeah, tell them to save me a dance.”

They walked quietly for awhile with Raven trying to rack her brain to think of something to say. Then it dawned on her.
“Daryl? How is it that this place has electricity and running water?”
Daryl looked at her with a half smile said “Here, lemme show you”
Walking around the corner they arrived at a huge junction with all sorts of solar panels and what looked like propane tanks and water towers.
“When they made this town they wanted it to be self sufficient so most of this was already here. We do have some people that help keep this going so we lucked out. It’s nice though, especially when we see how other groups are living.”
Raven nodded her head and marveled at everything.
Grabbing her hand Daryl continued
“C’mon, I got something else to show you.”
Raven felt a swarm of butterflies in her stomach as they walked and he continued to hold her hand. Rounding another corner suddenly the outline of a large structure came into view. Raven knew instantly what it was.
“Is that the stable?” she asked with excitement.
Daryl nodded and gave her another one of his half smiles.

It was awesome! Only the frame was up but she could tell from it that it was going to be amazing. Daryl took her around, showing her this and that and showing how they were going to build 3 additional stalls just in case they ran across some more horses. Raven was so happy. Sid was going to love it here. Climbing some stairs, Daryl beckoned for her to follow him. Once at the top, she looked at could see almost all the way across town. Turning her in the other direction, Daryl stood behind her and pointed.
“You see ‘em?”
All Raven could think about was how close his body was to hers and how much it made her ache with his low gravelly voice in her ear. She looked harder and then saw it.
“Are those more walls?”
“uh huh…we’re pushing out. We got 10 guys working on the stable and then 10 more working on walls. All that area, will be room for him to run”
Raven turned and looked at Daryl, so touched that he was doing all of this for Sid. He truly was a great man.
Daryl’s lips found hers and the sweetness of his kiss nearly took her breath away. She didn’t know which of his kisses were more intoxicating, his hungry and demanding ones or the way he kissed her now, so tender and loving.
Grabbing her hand again he hoarsely whispered “C’mon”
Leading her down the stairs and then across the street to a little cottage like looking home, Daryl put his key in the door. His house. She was going into his house. Her heart started hammering again in her chest. She loved that the stable would be so close to his house but right now, all she could think of that she would be alone with him in his house. No chance for an interruption. They would truly be alone without any distractions.
Daryl opened the door and guided her in with his hand on the small of her back. Once inside she took everything in. It was different than what she had pictured. She didn’t think he was a slob or anything, but he was very neat. Everything was put in its place, and it sort of looked like it belonged in some kind of magazine for houses.
“It’s nice” she whispered
Not saying a word, he was kissing her again. She was drowning in him. His hands and lips were everywhere and all she could think was how much she wanted him and hoped this would never end. Picking her up she kissed and nibbled his neck knowing exactly where he was taking her. Placing her on his bed, she lay back watching him slip off his vest and then his shirt. Fire rushed through her veins and a want so powerful she began to tremble. Sitting on the bed, Raven sat up to meet him and watched him intently as he slipped her shirt over her head then easing her back onto the pillows. His lips were once again on hers kissing her slowly and deeply. Leaving her begging mouth he began trailing kisses down her stomach to her waist. She gasped as she could feel his tongue trace slowly just below her belly button.

His mouth was on hers again, devouring her like a starving man. She knew she would give herself to him…. all of her body and soul. She knew right there and then she would love him for the rest of her life. Tasting his lips then feeling them on her neck she whispered….
“I love you Daryl”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew it had been a huge mistake. He had stopped for a split second but in that second it felt like an eternity. He began kissing her again but now it was different. She couldn’t explain it but it was. She thought maybe he didn’t hear her, maybe she thought she said it but really she only thought it…but with him slowing down then stopping altogether. She knew. He wouldn’t even look at her now. She wanted so badly to take it back, to rewind time and not go there. Maybe she should apologize? But how do you apologize for saying I love you without sounding and feeling like a complete jerk?
Daryl slid off the bed and put back on his shirt. Raven scrambled to put her back on as well, standing there shaking from not only the passion but with worry as well.
“I better get you back”
Raven nodded and walked quickly out of his room.

The walk back to Caroline’s was pure torture. He was silent as the grave and she felt like she could burst into tears at any moment. Arriving at the porch, Raven stared at the ground with her heart in her throat. Taking his finger and lifting her chin, he looked deep into her eyes and kissed her softly.
“Night” he said and turned and walked away.

Later Raven lay in her bed staring at the ceiling. She knew what she had said had been a mistake but maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe he just needed time to deal with everything and they would be ok. Raven finally fell asleep but it was a restless one. Tossing and turning she could help but worry about tomorrow.

Notes

Comments

@Rumandsunshine
I"m so glad you like it!! Just an FYI, there's also a Cherokee Rose sequel that's close to being done called Sins of our fathers and a third story (unrelated to, but has been well liked) called On a wing and a prayer.

I'm not sure who the girl is, but she looked exactly like what I pictured when I was writing Raven's character. I just kind of surf google until I find someone who I think has the look of my characters. Thanks again for reading !

SashaD SashaD
5/20/16

At chapter 15 now. Love this story, it keeps me sane while waiting for the show to come back on!! This story makes me wish that Raven was really on the show and dating Daryl Dixon!!! Question, whats the name of the girl in the photo portraying Raven?? Anywho, Keep up the GREAT writing !! :D

Rumandsunshine Rumandsunshine
5/20/16

@Tripper
Thank you! Getting ready to post the first three chapters of the next part. Will be called Sins of our fathers. Hope you enjoy!

SashaD SashaD
4/25/16

I just power read this whole story today, it's excellent but I am absolutely gutted about Raven's death. I did not see that one coming... looking go forward to the next part.

Tripper Tripper
4/25/16

Oh gosh! I'm crying too. I love this story. I'm interested in how daryl will come back from this.

Aforrester77422 Aforrester77422
4/22/16